SBY laments politicization of police succession

JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono lamented on Wednesday the politicization of the ongoing succession debate on the choice of the new police leadership.

He said politicization was apparent with political backing by supporters of police chief candidates even though they know that appointment of the National Police chief is the President’s prerogative.

“It’s wrong to mobilize political support for candidates,” Yudhoyono said at the presidential office.

The National Commission has submitted two candidates to Yudhoyono, Comr. Nanan Soekarna and Comr. Imam Sudjarwo. The President will refer his pick, either one or both candidates, to the House of Representatives for approval.

The president said he hoped the replacement of National Police chief would be as peaceful as that of the recent military chief. — JP